According to crash analysis from the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA), two street segments in the City of New Albany have been ranked among the highest prone to accidents in southern Indiana. Specifically, Spring Street (from Beharrell Avenue to Silver Street) was ranked the 2nd highest accident-prone street segment. Spring Street (from Silver Street to Vincennes Street) was ranked as the 17th highest accident-prone street segment.

Fortunately, the City of New Albany applied for and are receiving special federal Highway Safety Improvement Program grant money through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to correct these most-dangerous segments.

The improvements, which are being funded by 90% federal money, include:• New signal with exclusive opposing left turn lanes at the Spring and Silver intersection• A modified 3-lane section with two west bound travel lanes on the east leg of Spring Street (from Beharrell Avenue to Silver Street)• A two-lane section with buffered bike lanes, parking lanes, and exclusive left turn lanes at key intersections on the west leg of Spring Street (from Silver Street to Vincennes Street)

“This effort will improve the safety for drivers at two hazardous road segments,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We will take this opportunity to improve safety for pedestrians and bikers as well.”

The state of Indiana is scheduled to approve construction of this project in the Spring of 2016, and details will be presented to the Board of Works on Tuesday, February 2nd at their 10am meeting.

“I have personally investigated numerous crashes at these intersections,” stated New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey. “Being responsible for public safety, I am excited to support any initiative to make these areas safer.”